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BCMeats is proud to present the 2nd Annual BC’s Butcher Competition! On May 3, 2025, we are sure to see an epic battle of the butchers, as top BC talent will showcase their skills to a team of experienced judges and spectators as they vie for the sought after title.
Follow us on Facebook @BC’s Best Butcher Competition, on Instagram @bcsbestbutcher for more information or send us an email at bcsbestbutcher@outlook.com.
The competition will be held in Kamloops at Thompson Rivers University in the Culinary Arts Training Centre 900 McGill Road #220.
Map link: TRU Map
Hosting a competition for butchers is crucial in promoting the industry as it creates a platform for showcasing the skills and expertise of BC butchers.
This competition will foster an environment where butchers strive to exceed current industry standards in the areas of general workmanship, meat cutting, displaying and creativity.
By highlighting the artistry and craftsmanship involved in producing high-quality meat products, such competitions can help to change the public perception of the butcher profession and encourage more people to consider it as a viable career option.
Additionally, this competition will foster a sense of community among butchers and encourage knowledge sharing, which will ultimately lead to the improvement and innovation of the industry as a whole!
For more information on the 2025 BC’s Best Butcher Competition, please email bcsbestbutcher@outlook.com
Back again? That’s no mis-steak—he just can’t cut the habit, this is Brendon Chrystall!
Working out of Rainer Custom Cutting in Darfield with 4 years of experience in the meat industry. Brendon is most looking forward to improving from last year’s competition. When he’s not cutting, he enjoys hunting, fishing and listening to music.
New this year, please welcome Amber Star Corbett.
Working in the Thompson Rivers University Retail Meat Processing Program in Kamloops, she has 11 years of experience in the meat industry. She’s looking forward to having some fun this year!
Good luck, Amber!
Introducing Megan Deveau!
Working out of Kawano Farms in Prince George, she’s coming in this year with 11 years experience in meat cutting ranging from the kill floor to cutting to sausage making. Megan has a certificate in Meat Processing from Olds College Alberta and she is most looking forward to representing females in the industry and getting that competitor swag bag!
“A fun fact about me, hmm, I play the banjo and have a matching YEEHAW tattoo with 6 other girls 🤪”
Meet David Elliott-Slack!
David has been in the meat industry for 13 years now, graduating from the Meat Processing Program in Olds College Alberta in 2012. He’s currently working at Save-On Foods in Langley.
“I did not compete last year but I am looking forward to the opportunity to compete this year. I look forward to reuniting with familiar faces, along with networking and meeting others in the industry and seeing what they come up with.”
Meet Dan Gibson!
Working out of Benny the Butcher Custom Cutting in Kamloops, Dan has only been meat cutting a few years. When he’s not in the shop you can find him cooking and painting D&D props.
What are you most looking forward to at this years competition?
“Honestly just to see what everyone can do and use this as my learning opportunity to see where I sit with everyone and I look forward to seeing how I can grow.”
Introducing Garrett Grimshire!Â
Cutting meat since 2019, Garrett is the owner/operator at Farmers Larder while working for Rangeland Meats, both are out of Kamloops although Farmers Larder is present at Farmers Markets throughout BC.
“I am looking forward to having the opportunity to discuss aspects of the industry with other people from within the trade, as well as seeing what everyone else is bringing to the competition.”
You’ve seen him slice. You’ve seen him dice. And now he’s back to butcher the rest — it’s Travis Gunter!
Coming to us from Gunter Bros Meat Co. Ltd. in Courtenay, Vancouver Island, Travis has been sharpening his skills and cutting meat full-time since 2019. But this competition isn’t just about the cuts — for Travis, it’s all about connecting with fellow butchers and the amazing people who make this industry what it is. Let’s see what he’s bringing to the table this year!
“I never went to school to be a butcher, everything I’ve learned has been through my family’s business hands on from a young age. I took a 4 year hiatus to work in forestry camps all over the coast of BC. Ultimately returning to start my Meat cutting career.”
He’s baaaack. Michael Hecken is returning to meat the competition once again!Â
Get ready—last year’s top butcher is ready to steak his claim and defend the title. 👑 With 24 years of official experience under his belt, he’s ready to beat the rest, or at least Benny 😜 Michael is the co-owner of König Meat and Sausage Co. in Invermere and is most excited for “just the whole atmosphere and energy it brings.”
Good luck Champ!
Back to carve out his legacy, armed with knives and dad jokes, here’s Mike Jordens!Â
Working out of Summit Gourmet Meats in Kamloops, he’s most excited for seeing how his coworker does and seeing the return competitors from last year. With a total of 25 years in the industry, this guys been around the chopping block.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
“I was charged by a grizzly bear while bow hunting elk in the Kootenay’s. It got as close as 8’ before it stopped and decided to run the opposite direction.
I have four kids ranging from the ages of 6(twin boys) to 15 years old.
I’m not sure which of those facts scares me more!”
This butcher’s been grillin’ for a win — it’s Benny Kerner, back for another round!Â
Benny is the owner of Benny The Butcher Custom Cutting, located just 8 minutes from the university up the Old Merritt Highway. With 6 years of experience in the industry, he’s excited to improve on his skills and show the public that the meat industry is so much more than a bunch of people cutting steaks. He’s hoping the craftsmanship and passion that goes into our work is shown at the event.
“Fun fact – When I am not cutting meat or spending time with my family, you can find me on the team roping with some of my closest friends!”
With 4 years experience in the meat industry, welcome to the block, Morgyn Lutz!
Working out of Spruce Goose Chop N Block in Kamloops, this is her first year competing.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to challenge myself and grow from this experience. It’ll be a highlight getting to see the passion and skill coming together from throughout the province.”
Introducing Arthur Meier!Â
With 51 years experience, his skill speaks for itself—and it says ‘well done’. Working out of JD Farms in Langley, Arthur is excited to see what the butcher world around him looks like. Its looking pretty sharp!
Good luck Arthur!
Erik Miller competed at last years event and he’s ready to come back swinging.Â
Previously competing under Meadowbrook Market, he now has his own shop, Millers Meatcraft on Bowen Island. He’s been cutting meat since he was 17 years old.
“I am a culinary training certified Chef which I believe has helped me in my whole animal Butchery approach.”
Darius Shuffler has been working in butcher shops for 6 years and is looking forward to being around people in the same industry with similar interests at this years event.Â
Representing Hopcott Farms in Pitt Meadows at the first annual competition, he’s ready to raise to steaks this year and take home gold.
“A fun fact about me is I wrestled for seven years and competed nationally.”
Brandon Watson is a skilled meat cutter with 11 years of hands-on experience, currently working at Randall’s Craft Butcher in Cawston, located in the heart of the Similkameen Valley.Â
Known for his precision and dedication to the craft, Brandon is making his debut in the butchery competition scene this year. He’s excited to step into the ring for the first time, eager to challenge himself, showcase his skills, and connect with fellow professionals from across the industry.
Returning to the ring, sharp as ever, welcome Tyler Wilson!Â
Working out of Rangeland Meats in Heffley Creek, Tyler has been a butcher full time since 2008. When not in the shop he is an avid hunter and fisherman and really enjoys doing leatherwork as a hobby.
“I’m really looking forward to watching the best in the business compete and showcase the skills we have acquired over the years in the industry.”
New this year, welcome Stanislav Yuzko!
Working out of Summit Gourmet Meats in Kamloops BC, Stanislav has 2 years of experience he’s bringing to the table. He’s excited to meet more cool butchers at this years event.Â
Good luck Stanislav!
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